Indigenous culture

We’ve always had great respect for the heritage and traditions of Australia’s Indigenous people.

Back in 1998 we were the first tour company to advise our travellers against climbing Uluru on account of its sacred significance to numerous Indigenous cultures. The close working partnerships we’ve established with Indigenous communities continue to inform our understanding of the land, as well as inspire in our travellers an appreciation for one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Below are some of the partners that we're proud to work with.

Maruku Arts

Nearly 900 artists make up the collective arts hub Maruku, which is owned and operated by the Anangu people (who originate from the Western and Central deserts of Australia). Maruku’s purpose is to keep the Anangu culture alive through art and to make their culture accessible for those seeking an in-depth understanding. Today Maruku is one of the largest and most successful Indigenous-owned operations in Australia, with programs including tours, painting and carving workshops, traditional ceremonies and art exhibitions.

East Arnhem Land– Lirrwi Tourism

We are privileged to be able to to offer exclusive access to one of the most remote reaches of Northern Australia. Join us in Indigenous Arnhem Land where you will take part in traditional hunting, fishing and gathering on country. This is a rare experience to meet with with traditonal owners of the land, learning the songs and stories of their people.

Kakadu Cultural Tours

Owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association, who represent the Traditional Owners of Northern Kakadu and parts of Western Arnhem Land, Kakadu Cultural Tours are an immersive journey into the heart of this region’s beautiful wilderness. Join an experienced Binninj guide to hear stories of Creation Time, meet artists at the Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre and learn about traditional survival skills. With a mix of spectacular scenery and cultural immersion, these tours through Arnhem Land reveal a whole other side of the Northern Territory.

Ingan

The upper reaches of Tropical North Queensland are home to the Janbanbarra Jirrbal people, the only Australian Aboriginal tribe that can be described as a true rainforest culture. Ingan is 100% Aboriginal owned and its tours are focused on the preservation of the environment, cross cultural awareness and sharing traditional knowledge handed down for generations.

Windamara

Based in southwest Victoria, Windamara provides a variety of services to the community, from assisting with housing and health matters to educating visitors in traditional customs unique to the region. Like many Indigenous cultures, the focus of Windamara’s tours revolve around the importance of nature, with visits to caves, lakes and volcanic landscapes. Guests can also discover the importance of Creation Time and see some of the ceremonial sites important to the Gunditjmara people.

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Sacred homeland of the Limilngan–Wulna people, Wulna country lies between Darwin and Kakadu National Park. The focus here is on introducing visitors to Indigenous cultures and customs through a range of interactive experiences. Check out spear-throwing demos, see a didgeridoo demonstration and pick up some outback survival tips on a guided bush tucker tour.

Top Didj

After cruising down the Katherine River by boat or canoe and admiring a river system 23 million years in the making, spend an afternoon becoming immersed in the age-old customs of the area’s original inhabitants – the Jawoyn and Dagoman people. Local artist Manual will demonstrate the wisdoms of his culture with fire lighting and boomerang-throwing demonstrations, then take you through the traditional painting process.

Koomal Dreaming

The Indigenous people of southwestern Australia's Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret regions are collectively known as Noongar. As a cultural custodian, local Wadandi man Josh Whiteland – or Koomal – has a personal commitment to sharing his knowledge of his culture and lore with visitors. On a bushwalk led by Josh, learn how to identify native bush foods and medicines, discover the art of traditional fire lighting and tool making, and be treated to a live didgeridoo performance inside Ngilgi Cave.